English Language Arts Page

I am Mrs. Figueroa. I teach sophomore English (3-4), AP Literature and Composition and AP Language and Composition this school year. I will also supplement the senior Pima Community College Writing 101 course first semester and the Writing 102 course second semester. This is my 10th year in the classroom and I am proud to have been teaching English at the Academy of Tucson for 3.5 years.

I grew up in Tucson, a graduate of Sahuaro High School and The University of Arizona–Go Cats! I majored in journalism and minored in women’s studies, both subjects that fed my appetite for writing and literature. I worked as a copy editor and a freelance journalist before deciding to become an educator. This is my ninth year teaching secondary English.

My goal is to create a learning community in my classroom, where we not only value the individual, but the connections between learners. My teaching style fosters ample discussion and written reflection because, at this level, students should become more comfortable forming their own opinions and considering why they think what they think. I tell students that the most important lesson I want them to take from this course is not what to think but HOW to think.

Students are most successful when present, prepared and engaged. Students will receive an invitation to Google Classroom to receive communications and assignments for all English classes. Announcements, major assignments and helpful resources will be posted and select assignments will be submitted through Google Classroom. Google Classroom should be used as a supplemental resource, not as a replacement for coming to class or communicating with your instructors.

Students and their families can view our Google Classroom calendars by clicking on the class section headings at the top of this page.

Welcome! I hope that you had a wonderful summer break– mine was lovely! While there is a part of me that is longing to be back on the beach or in the redwood forest, I am excited to be back with my students for a brand new school year.

For the new and the forgetful, I am Mrs. Figueroa. I will be teaching sophomore English (3-4), AP Literature and Composition and AP Language and Composition this school year. I will also supplement the senior Writing 101 course first semester and teach a senior English course second semester. I am proud to have been teaching English at the Academy of Tucson for 2.5 years.

I grew up in Tucson, a graduate of Sahuaro High School and The University of Arizona–Go Cats! I majored in journalism and minored in women’s studies, both subjects that fed my appetite for writing and literature. I worked as a copy editor and a freelance journalist before deciding to become an educator. This is my eighth year teaching secondary English.

I believe that an integral part of the classroom experience is relationship-building. My goal is to create a learning community in my classroom, where we not only value the individual, but the connections between learners.

Students are most successful when present, prepared and engaged. You will be provided with a student planner to help you stay organized throughout the school year– use it or any resource you like to manage your tasks! Students will receive an invitation to Google Classroom to receive communications and assignments for all English classes. Please check your Academy of Tucson email for the invitation, join your English section and view your class page by Monday, 8/7. Announcements, major assignments and helpful resources will be posted and select assignments will be submitted through Google Classroom. Google Classroom should be used as a supplemental resource, not as a replacement for coming to class or communicating with your instructors.

Students and their families can view our Google Classroom calendars by clicking on the class section headings at the top of this page.

Class updates are now posted through Google Classroom! This way, I can communicate announcements and assignments as well provide students with a portal to turn-in work, view and share resources and ask questions.

Students and their families can view our Google Classroom calendars by clicking on the classroom links below:

I hope you have all had a great summer! I am excited to see my returning students and meet those who are new to my classroom.

For my new students, I am Mrs. Figueroa and I will be teaching English 3-4, English 5-6 American Lit and English 7-8 as well as AP English Literature and Composition for sophomores this school year. This will be my second full school year at Academy of Tucson, and I am thrilled to be back with former students and getting to know new ones.

I grew up in Tucson, a graduate of Sahuaro High School and The University of Arizona–Go Cats! I majored in journalism and minored in women’s studies, both subjects that fed my appetite for writing and literature. I worked as a copy editor and a freelance journalist before deciding to become an educator. This is my seventh year teaching secondary English.

I believe that an integral part of the classroom experience is relationship-building. My goal is to create a learning community in my classroom, where we not only value the individual, but the connections between learners.

This year, I am trying out Google Classroom for communications and assignments for all English classes. Many of you are more experienced with the program than I am, so please bear with me as I move away from this website and navigate a new resource. My intention is to streamline the process of assigning, turning-in and grading student work. Please check your Academy of Tucson emails for the invitation to your English section and view the class page. Your summer reading is posted for completion on Monday, August 8.

–sorry kids, that’s all I’ve got. (I’m extra sorry if you have no idea what just happened there. Fig’s got flow this afternoon).

You’re all working on your final English papers, which need to include a works cited page. This article from the Grammar Girl website gives great advice for choosing credible online sources–which can be very tricky!

Testing season is upon us! Sophomores and Juniors will spend the next few class periods preparing for the AzMERIT tests. After spring break, we will begin with the writing test. Here are some tools to help ready you for the AzMERIT test. It will benefit you to put forth your best effort on these assessments in the coming weeks, as they are an indicator of your readiness for college and careers at this point in your education. Of course, a test like this can’t measure every thing about every student– we all gain and demonstrate knowledge in different ways. Put a sincere effort in all you do, and you will be preparing for your future in the best way possible.

AzMERIT testing days are as follows:

ELA Writing: March 29-31 (Grade 11, Grade 10, Grade 9)

ELA Reading: April 5-7 (Grade 11, Grade 10, Grade 9)

Math: April 12-14 (Algebra 2, Geometry, Algebra 1)

For AzMERIT testing days, we will be following the testing schedule below:

TESTING: 8-10 AM*

Period 1: 10:05-10:40 AM

Period 2: 10:45-11:20 AM

Period 3: 11:25 AM-12 PM

LUNCH: 12:05-12:40 PM

Period 4: 12:45-1:20 PM

Period 5: 1:25-2 PM

Period 6: 2:05-2:40 PM

Period 7: 2:45-3:15 PM

*Length of testing session is subject to change.

We also ask that all students and parents adhere to the following rules for testing days:

ALL students must be on campus by 7:45 AM, whether they are testing or not.

ALL students will check in with homeroom teachers for attendance.

Students who are testing will report to designated testing room.

Students who are not testing will stay in their homeroom class or designated classroom until the end of the testing session.

Just as I was thinking I needed another reason to remind all of you to read, it dawned on me: It’s February! Love of Reading Month is upon us! Sure, maybe your English teacher is the only one who gets excited about this, but that doesn’t have to be true. Come by and borrow a book from me and I’ll give you a free high-five and create a handmade bookmark for you on-the-spot (I will give you a sticky note or re-purpose any receipts that might be in my pockets).

Also, check out this reading challenge for 2016! I’m going to pitch this idea to my book club (of course, I’m in a book club).